Boeing satellite communications antenna system completes testing

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. Boeing’s aircraft satellite communications antenna system has completed environmental and performance testing. The system will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates satellite operator Al Yah Satellite Company (Yahsat).

The satellite communicationsantenna system’s data transfer rate has also been validated in over-the-air satellite tests. The system provides an aircraft-qualified, low-profile, low-drag, easily installed antenna to send and receive data between airborne and ground terminals, and is suitable for both military and commercial customers. Boeing’s system incorporates steerable phased array technology, which means the antenna uses electronics rather than mechanical components to track a satellite, even when mounted on moving aircraft.

“These milestones complete the qualification efforts for our most advanced aeronautical antenna, leveraging expertise from across Boeing in designing and integrating antennas systems for customer aircraft,” comments Paul Geery, VP for Command, Control, and Communications Solutions. “The result is a low-profile SATCOM solution that provides enroute broadband connectivity for many types of aircraft.”

Boeing will deliver the first of eight antenna systems to Yahsat in late 2014 for installation on various aircraft. The satellite communications antenna system will also be available to additional customers.